The Swanage Rail Lookout

The Swanage Rail Lookout is a detached house in Swanage where the steam trains of the Swanage Railway pass behind the secure rear fence. The open-plan kitchen, breakfast bar, dining and living area has bi-fold doors out to a large balcony, and the decking at the far end of the garden gives a second place to sit and watch. The trains do not run early in the morning, and only run into the evening when special events are on. Swanage Railway Station is 10 minutes' walk away and the beachfront 15 minutes' walk.

Upstairs there are three bedrooms for six guests: a king with a fitted wardrobe, a twin whose beds can be pushed together to make a super king, and a bunk room with two adult-sized single beds. A shower room with a walk-in shower is on the ground floor, and the first-floor bathroom has a bath and a separate walk-in shower. Safety gates sit at both ends of the stairs, a highchair is in the kitchen, and a travel cot is kept in the king room wardrobe.

The kitchen has an induction hob, electric oven, dishwasher and washing machine, plus an airer and a clothes line for drying. Gas central heating is thermostat controlled, and fuel, power, bed linen and towels are all included in the rent. The garden is fully enclosed with a secure rear fence, and half of the garage is for guest storage.

The driveway holds three vehicles, though the stretch between garage and house is narrow, and it slopes downwards, which matters for anyone with mobility problems. Pets are welcome and smoking is not allowed. The house suits a family with children or a group of friends who like trains.